Crestafire® Bio P1-8001

• Crestafire® P1-8001 is derived from sugar cane waste and therefore bio sourced without affecting the planet resources dedicated to animal or human being consumption.
• It is capable of rail EN45545-2 standard highest HL3 requirement performances when appropriately combined with Scott Bader gelcoat.
• It is halogen free, does not contain heavy metals. Resin system color is dark brown / black.

It provides excellent handling properties and wetting of the reinforcements. It is recommended for use when eco- composites with excellent low smoke, low toxic fume emissions and fire-resistant laminates is desired.

Key features are:

• Highly ecological (carbon neutral) and fully non-toxic matrix material
• Inherently fire resistant with very low flammability and low smoke release properties
• Low toxicity and emissions for improved operator health and safety
• Low environmental impact
• High Tg and stiffness
• 100% Plant-based resin
• Similar mechanical properties to conventional phenolic resins
• Low water uptake in composite applications
• Short processing/cycle times and cure temperature as low as 80°C possible
• Compatibility with natural and mineral fibers (e.g., Flax, Hemp, Sisal, Jute, Kenaf, wood-cellulose based fibers such as Rayon, recycled carbon fiber, E-glass)
• Compatibility with Scott Bader Crystic® and Crestafire® gelcoats.

Crestafire® P1-8001 has been designed for use in contact molding techniques, such as hand lay-up and spray molding and is typically used in non-structural or semi-structural components. The reticulation process is similar to phenolic resins, with a better mold turnaround time and a better aspect of parts once out of the mold.

Before use

Crestafire® P1-8001 should be allowed to attain workshop temperature (18°C - 20°C) before use. It requires only the addition of a catalyst to start the curing reaction. The catalyst should be thoroughly incorporated into the resin, using a low shear mechanical stirrer where possible.

Additives

The addition of fillers or pigment pastes can adversely affect the properties of the cured laminate.

Formulation

The backbone of Crestafire® P1-8001 is formed by condensation reaction of furfuryl alcohol. To reduce the viscosity and thus to enhance the process ability, typically water is added as a solvent - around 4% w/w of water is recommended for optimum HLU processing. It requires the addition of acid catalysts and heat to start the curing reaction.

Crestafire® P1-8001 is supplied in 30kg plastic kegs, 225kg drums & 1100kg containers.

Crestafire® P1-8001 should be stored between 5°C and 25°C in the original, unopened container in a dry, well-ventilated place. Protect from freezing and direct sunlight. Avoid contact with oxidizing agents. If stored outside of these recommendations, shelf life will be significantly reduced.

Three possible acid catalyst cure systems and curing cycles are shown in the table below. The catalysts should be added to the resin using a medium/high shear mechanical stirrer to ensure thoroughly dispersion within the resin.

• S type+ (65 wt% Para toluene sulfonic acid)
• H₃PO₄ (85 wt% Phosphoric acid)
• HM 1448 (65 wt% 2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium nitrate)